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Dr. Malcolm Forsyth, (1936-2011)
Honoured as Canadian Composer of the Year in
1989, has earned international recognition as one of Canada's leading composers.
Born in 1936 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Dr. Forsyth majored in trombone,
conducting and composition at the University of Cape Town and played trombone
for 8 years with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra (CTSO) while obtaining his
Master's and subsequently Doctorate degrees. In 1968, Dr. Forsyth emigrated to
Canada and settled in Edmonton where he joined the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra,
playing bass trombone for 3 years and then Principal for 8. He also joined the
music faculty at the University of Alberta teaching theory, composition and
conducting until his retirement in 2002.
Dr. Forsyth has composed numerous, highly-acclaimed works, including several
symphonies, suites, concerti, works for brass and woodwind ensembles. He has won
three Juno Awards for Best Musical Composition: in 1987 for Atayoskewin;
in 1995 for Sketches from Natal; and in 1998 for Electra Rising.
Dr. Forsyth's works have been performed and broadcast throughout the world. He
has received commissions for noted artists such as singers Maureen Forrester and
Judith Forst, the Canadian Brass, Helmut Brauss, Bläserensemble Mainz, the
Montreal, Edmonton, Cape Town Symphony Orchestras and the Natal Philharmonic.
His work has been extensively recorded, with the most recent discs being of his
Complete Works for Solo Cello and Piano, performed by his daughter and
acclaimed cellist, Amanda Forsyth, and Sun Songs with Judith Forst and
the CBC Vancouver Orchestra conducted by Mario Bernardi.
On July 5, 2011 Dr. Forsyth lost his courageous battle with cancer.
Malcolm will be profoundly missed by the members of the Millcreek Colliery Band and the Edmonton music community. In his honour of his work and dedication to the band the first concert in the 2011-2012 season will be a tribute concert to his life and his work with Millcreek Colliery Band.
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